The Scary Side of Synthetic Marijuana and K2 Spice

The Scary Side of Synthetic Marijuana and K2 Spice. These dangerous drugs are made up of chemicals that mimic the effects of real marijuana and have been linked to hundreds of overdoses in recent years. During a recent three-day period in Lancaster County, PA, 102 people were reported to have overdosed on a bad batch of synthetic marijuana — many of whom were young adults in their mid-teens to early 30s.

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While synthetic marijuana and K2 spice may seem like harmless versions of real marijuana, The Scary Side of Synthetic Marijuana and K2 Spice these substances are far more dangerous and can lead to physical dependency and addiction.

Here’s a close look at the scary side of spice K2 and synthetic marijuana, along with tips on how to determine whether you or a loved one needs help overcoming addiction to these risky substances.

What is Synthetic Marijuana?

Synthetic marijuana, also known as synthetic cannabinoids, contains chemicals that mimic the effects produced by real cannabinoids found in real marijuana. Crime labs that study synthetic marijuana have found the presence of chemical compounds FUB-PB-22 and XLR-11 — both of which are highly potent substances commonly used to make illicit designer drugs. These chemicals are then sprayed on dried plants and herbs that resemble marijuana or are sold in liquid form for vape pens and e-cigarettes.

The type and amount of chemicals found in synthetic marijuana vary from batch to batch, which is one of many reasons why these drugs are considered highly dangerous. Synthetic marijuana users never know what they’re getting,

The Scary Side of Synthetic Marijuana and K2 Spice Which side effects they can expect to experience while using these drugs? In 2014, there were more than 177 different synthetic cannabinoids reported to be found in batches of synthetic marijuana like K2 and spice.

Synthetic marijuana is included in a group of drugs called new psychoactive substances, or NPS. NPS are unregulated, illegal, and classified as Schedule I drugs with no accepted medical uses and a high risk for dependence and addiction. Manufacturers of synthetic marijuana will frequently change their chemical formulas to bypass laws surrounding the banning of this drug.

Other names for synthetic marijuana:

• Fake weed
• AK-47
• Geeked Up
• Spice k2
• K2
• Spice
• Joker
• Kush
• Black Mamba
• Kronic
• Blaze
• Skunk
• Bliss
• Zohar
• Moon Rocks
• Smacked
• Galaxy Gold
• Sky High
• Mojo

Common Side Effects of K2 Spice

K2 spice and synthetic marijuana bind to the same receptors in the brain as THC — the psychoactive ingredient in real marijuana. As a result, users of K2 spice may experience effects similar to that of marijuana, including relaxation and euphoria.

But scientists have found that synthetic cannabinoids bind more strongly to brain receptors than marijuana, and can produce stronger effects that are largely unpredictable.

Physical and psychological effects of K2 spice:

• Relaxation
• Elevated mood
• Euphoria
• Altered perception and awareness of surroundings
• Confusion
• Extreme anxiety
• Paranoia
• Hallucinations
• Psychosis

Since each batch of K2 spice is unique from the next and contains several different chemical types and amounts, side effects can vary from those mentioned above, and range in severity. Anyone who uses K2 or spice is at risk for an overdose or adverse effects even after just one use.

The Scary Side of Synthetic Marijuana

In 2011, there were 28,531 visits to U.S. emergency rooms related to the adverse effects of synthetic marijuana. From January to April 2015, the number of telephone calls to U.S. poison control centers related to adverse effects from synthetic marijuana increased by 330 percent.

In 2016, adverse effects from synthetic marijuana resulted in a total of 2,695 calls to poison control. New York City even issued a health advisory about the dangers surrounding synthetic marijuana use after the drug landed 130 people in local emergency rooms for three days in July.

Adverse effects of synthetic marijuana:

• Agitation
• Increased blood pressure
• Rapid heart
• Panic attacks
• Chest pain
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Violent behavior
• Suicidal thoughts

The adverse health effects of spice K2 can be life-threatening for some users — especially those who have pre-existing health conditions. For instance, those with a history of heart problems are at risk of suffering a heart attack or heart failure when using synthetic marijuana. Those who experience suicidal thoughts and who also suffer paranoia, psychosis, and hallucinations are at especially heightened risk for suicide.

Who is at Risk for K2 Spice Abuse?

Studies show that synthetic marijuana abuse is most common among teens and young adults between the ages of 12 and 29 and that between 70 and 80 percent of K2 spice users are male. A 2016 study examining K2 spice use among high schoolers found that 3.5 percent of seniors and 3.3 percent of juniors used the drug within the past year.

People who rely on synthetic marijuana like K2 spice to relax, wind down, or enhance their moods are at high risk for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Genetics, environment, and peer pressure are other common risk factors for K2 spice abuse.

Signs of Synthetic Marijuana Addiction

THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the brain that control perception, memory, pleasure, movement, and coordination. Repeated, prolonged exposure to THC can render the brain unable to control these functions on its own without the presence of synthetic marijuana. A person who becomes dependent on synthetic marijuana and spice K2 will experience drug cravings and withdrawal symptoms when ceasing or quitting use.

A person who becomes tolerant to synthetic marijuana faces a higher risk for physical dependence due to the way these chemicals alter brain function. Dependence can often turn into a serious addiction when one’s behaviors change in favor of drug use.

Behavioral Signs

A person who struggles with synthetic marijuana addiction will often prioritize drug use above all other important responsibilities. Addiction can lead to poor work and school performance and strained relationships with friends and family. Long-term use of synthetic marijuana even increases the risk for mental health disorders like depression and schizophrenia, which can cause obvious changes to one’s behavior.

Common behavioral signs of K2 spice addiction:

• Changes in appetite
• Withdrawing from friends, family, and social activities
• Sleep disturbances
• Using K2 spice even when knowing there may be negative consequences
• Lying and secretive behavior
• Mood swings and irritability
• Sudden changes in personality
• Spending more time with new people, or negative influences
• Loss of employment
• Decreased performance at work or school
• Legal or financial problems related to drug use
• Inability to stop using K2 spice despite attempts to quit

Withdrawal Symptoms

A person physically dependent on K2 spice will require a certain amount of the drug to keep cravings and other withdrawal symptoms at bay. Withdrawal is the body’s way of repairing, rebalancing, and healing itself after having been dependent on strong chemicals such as those found in synthetic marijuana. K2 spice withdrawal symptoms will generally set in within 12 hours of the last dose.

Common K2 spice withdrawal symptoms:

• Headaches
• Tremors
• Blurred vision
• Sweating
• Chills
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Dizziness
• Muscle aches and pains
• Numbness or tingling in limbs
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Changes in appetite
• Insomnia
• Lack of motivation
• Problems with concentration
• Memory problems
• Irritability
• Depression
• Anxiety

K2 spice withdrawal symptoms can range in severity based on the potency and makeup of the chemicals in the drug. Some people have reported that K2 spice withdrawal can be as intense and painful as heroin and opioid withdrawal, which may require some to withdraw from the drug under close medical supervision.

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above behavioral signs or withdrawal symptoms associated with synthetic marijuana use, it’s possible you or your loved one needs help fighting addiction. Fortunately, K2 spice dependence and addiction can be safely and successfully treated at a drug rehab or addiction treatment center.

Getting Help for K2 Spice Dependence and Addiction

Synthetic marijuana is addictive, illegal, and dangerous, and can cause serious problems with your health and overall quality of life. The sooner you can seek treatment for K2 spice addiction, the sooner you can become healthier and start repairing your career, education, relationships, and more.

Detox Treatment

Drug detox is the first stage of K2 spice addiction treatment, and allows you to withdraw from synthetic marijuana in a safe, controlled medical environment surrounded by experienced nurses and doctors.

A medical detox from Spice K2 involves the use of medications that help relieve common withdrawal symptoms. Withdrawal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea can quickly lead to dehydration, and be difficult for patients to manage without the help of trained nurses and doctors.

Addiction Treatment Options

After going through K2 spice detox, patients can overcome psychological causes of addiction using cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT. For more information, do not hesitate to contact our customer support!

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FAQ

 

Question: What do synthetic cannabinoids cause?

Answer: Products made using synthetic cannabinoids may be hazardous. People that smoke these goods may therefore experience a fast heartbeat, nausea, anxiety, disorientation, and hallucinations. Some people need assistance from emergency medical services, hospital ERs, or critical care units.

 

 

Question: What is Mamba and Spice?

Answer: Prior to the law’s change, brands including Happy Joker, Spice, and Mamba were used as brand names for narcotics sold as “legal highs.” But they ended up being shortened to “synthetic cannabinoids” for pretty much anything.

 

 

Question: What are the rare side effects of cannabinoids?

Answer: People have spoken of experiencing symptoms including anxiety and paranoia as well as, very rarely, a severe psychotic response (which might include delusions and hallucinations) that may necessitate emergency department care.